TUNGAWAN, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – A routine checkpoint operation led by the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company resulted in the seizure of smuggled cigarettes and the arrest of a suspect in San Pedro, Tungawan on February 22, 2025.
At approximately 9:50 AM, law enforcement officers stationed at the Border Control Point flagged down a silver Hyundai sedan with plate number LAG 2901, which was traveling from Zamboanga City toward Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. During inspection, officers noticed a suspicious bulge covered by a beige blanket in the rear portion of the vehicle.
Upon closer examination, authorities discovered reams of cigarettes concealed under the blanket. The driver was unable to provide legal documents for the items, prompting officers to arrest him and confiscate the goods under the plain view doctrine and incidental search to a lawful arrest.
The seized items included:
- 246 reams of New Berlin (red) cigarettes
- 4 reams of Cannon Menthol cigarettes
- A silver Hyundai sedan
The total estimated value of the confiscated items, based on Bureau of Customs standard pricing, was PHP 286,500.00.
The inventory of the seized goods was conducted in the presence of a barangay official and an Indigenous Peoples’ representative, with the process recorded through an alternative recording device. The suspect and the confiscated items were brought to the Tungawan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and the filing of appropriate charges.
PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo, Provincial Director, emphasized the importance of such operations in maintaining security and protecting the local economy. “This operation underscores our dedication to protecting the integrity of our province’s economy and ensuring public safety. The COMELEC checkpoints do not only ensure the security of the election period but also curb illegal activities that might threaten public safety,” he stated.
Authorities continue to strengthen border security measures to prevent the smuggling of illegal goods and uphold the rule of law in Zamboanga Sibugay.